A review by nytephoenyx
Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Crooked Kingdom is overrated.

While Six of Crows was exciting and had a definite purpose, Crooked Kingdom centered around cleaning up the mess from the previous book and getting out of town. It was slow and almost introspective for each character. Those who fell in love with the characters of Six of Crows and want more from them will enjoy it - those who are looking for an exciting plotline will get bored. It's an underwhelming story with the same excellent depth of world and character-building.

I wonder if I'd reread this one, even though I would reread Six of Crows. I expected more after the intricate plotting of the first book and felt let down by Leigh Bardugo. My thoughts will not reflect everyone's experience, but no matter what other readers say, it was my experience.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Grief, Violence, Kidnapping, and Blood

Moderate: Mental illness, Forced institutionalization, and Torture

Minor: Drug use, Pregnancy, and Medical content

Crooked Kingdom includes POV BIPOC, LGBTQIAP+, and intersectional characters. One character struggles with withdrawals from drug use, including attempted manipulation and verbal assault. There is mention of a plague. One character walks a line between buildings. The descriptions of this may trigger those with a fear of heights.